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Chief John D.
Ragsdale of the Nashville Fire Department
organized the
Nashville Fire Buff Club in 1952. Throughout
the 50 plus
years of service, the mission of our club has
remained
the same: To serve the men and women of the
Nashville
Fire Department.
Box 55 is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization of volunteers
who offer rehabilitation services to the
Nashville Fire
Department and other municipalities. Our
group is
supported solely through donations and
contributions.
Currently, Box 55 responds to all
working fires and by special
request to other emergency
situations such as search and
rescue, SWAT, Haz-Mat,
major MVA’s and other extended
operations.
Refreshments are served out of a customized 18 foot
response truck. This truck is equipped with a 40 gallon
water
tank for hot or cold water, an 18 cu. ft.
refrigerator/freezer, a
propane grill with a two burner
stove, a microwave, all
aluminum cabinetry and 2 coffee
makers. This vehicle also,
carries
misting fans, lighting, a generator, folding chairs, a
kerosene heater and a cooler of cold drinks and snacks.
Box 55 members are alerted by pager and respond 24
hours, 7 days a week when needed. Based on protocol, one
or
two members drive the rehab unit to the incident
scene, while
other members will arrive in their personal
vehicle.
A monthly meeting is held every third Thursday at a
different fire hall to address the needs of the
organization and
to provide training. Visitors are
always welcome to attend.
As the demands and definitions of rehab continue to
change, Box 55 is dedicated to changing and growing
with
them. Our goal – to respond quickly when called and
to
provide rehabilitation and re-hydration to the fire
department – remains the same. |
